Cost of Living: Chesapeake, VA vs Abilene, TX (2026)

Chesapeake

Virginia
112
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Chesapeake is 58% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,523/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 27%
$94,189/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 33%
$359,100 ↑ 101%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 50%
$1,680/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 34%
251,153
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
0%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

19.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chesapeake, VA and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $417/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $5,004/year.

Median household income is $31,469/year higher in Chesapeake. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chesapeake is $359,100 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Abilene residents a significant tax advantage over Virginia's 5.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chesapeake vs Abilene — common questions

Is Chesapeake or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chesapeake and Abilene?
Median rent in Chesapeake is $1,523/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $417/month.
Which city has higher income, Chesapeake or Abilene?
Median household income is $94,189 in Chesapeake and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $31,469/year higher in Chesapeake.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Texas?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Chesapeake or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Chesapeake has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,523/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chesapeake details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chesapeake and Abilene

Chesapeake vs. Irving Chesapeake vs. Winston-Salem Chesapeake vs. Laredo Chesapeake vs. Glendale Chesapeake vs. St. Petersburg Chesapeake vs. Garland Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland